UK Grants Air Peace Permit to Operate Direct Flights to London Heathrow

In a landmark breakthrough for Nigerian aviation, the United Kingdom has officially granted Air Peace approval to operate scheduled commercial flights to London’s Heathrow Airport, marking a major victory for Nigeria’s largest private airline, and a new chapter in West Africa–UK air connectivity.

After months of regulatory hurdles, bilateral air service negotiations, and diplomatic back-and-forth, Air Peace has now secured the coveted landing slot at Heathrow, one of the busiest and most competitive airports in the world. The announcement was confirmed by both UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

From Gatwick Struggles to Heathrow Breakthrough

Air Peace had previously operated flights to London Gatwick under a temporary arrangement, but securing Heathrow access, long dominated by foreign carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, proved significantly more difficult due to slot scarcity, bureaucratic resistance, and intense lobbying by legacy carriers.

Today’s development is being seen as a strategic win not just for Air Peace, but for Nigeria’s aviation sovereignty.

“We are proud to announce that Air Peace will now fly directly into London Heathrow. This is a bold step towards balancing the decades-long skewed airspace relationship between Nigeria and the UK,” said Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, in a statement.

“No more third-rate terminals or indirect connections for our travelers. We’re flying Nigeria to the world from the front door.”

Game-Changer for Nigerian Travelers

The Heathrow permit is expected to:

Improve direct travel options for Nigerians in the UK and Europe

Lower ticket prices through increased competition

Strengthen Nigeria’s position in BASA (Bilateral Air Services Agreement) compliance

Boost national pride by elevating a Nigerian carrier to the global stage

Air Peace Reacts

In a celebratory press release, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, said:

“This is not just a win for Air Peace, it’s a win for every Nigerian. Our entry into Heathrow is a statement, that Africa can compete. We’re here to serve, to lead, and to raise the bar.”

The airline plans to begin direct Lagos–Heathrow flights in July, with additional plans for Abuja and Port Harcourt routes under review.

Industry Response

Aviation experts are hailing the development as a shift in global aviation power dynamics, especially within the Afro-European route segment, which has long been controlled by foreign airlines.

With the UK’s approval now sealed, Nigerian travelers, diaspora citizens, and global partners alike are watching with keen interest as Air Peace prepares for its most ambitious international chapter yet.